In February 2013, ŠKODA delivered a total of 67,100 cars worldwide (February 2012: 72,100), a decline of 6.9 per cent. In the first two months of this year, the brand sold more than 136,600 (year ago: 147,500). The main reason for this sales trend is the current ramp-up of production of the new ŠKODA Octavia. The continuous weakness of some European markets is also influencing its marks. In China, ŠKODA grew by 3.2 per cent, outperforming the market.
“For ŠKODA, what is marking the start of 2013 is the new ŠKODA Octavia. We are currently ramping up production at our main plant in the Czech Republic. Sales of the saloon are beginning in European markets, and the ŠKODA Octavia Combi just had its world debut at the Automobile Salon in Geneva,” says ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland. “We are confident that we will continue our brand’s progress this year thanks to our model offensive.” The sales situation is also being affected by the weakness of some European markets, which not even ŠKODA managed to escape completely. The company’s outlook for the overall year remains basically positive. “As soon as the volume of the Octavia and its model variants becomes fully available, we will see positive effects,” says Vahland.
In 2013, ŠKODA will be introducing a total of eight new ŠKODA models or model variants. The feedback from the media and customers so far has been extremely positive. Cars for the market launch of the ŠKODA Octavia Combi will be made available at dealerships from May. In 2012, the Octavia Combi was ŠKODA third-bestselling model variant after the Octavia saloon and the Fabia notchback, selling about 124,500 units, In all, the ŠKODA Octavia sold more than 409,600 in 2012.
In Western Europe in February, ŠKODA delivered 25,500 units (February 2012: 27,700). In Germany – ŠKODA’s second-largest market worldwide – the brand advanced slightly, growing 0.2 per cent to over 9,900 (February 2012: less than 9.900), while the overall market declined strongly in February. The brand’s market share in Germany exceeded 4.9 per cent in February. Sales in Great Britain also tended positively in February, growing by 9.0 year on year (February 2012: 1,700). ŠKODA grew 79.8 per cent in Denmark, going from not quite 700 to over 1,200. Sweden saw a plus of 10.1 per cent, rising from under 800 to almost 900.
In Eastern Europe, ŠKODA sold 8,700 in February (February 2012: 8,900), posting gains in Bosnia, Serbia und Kazakhstan. In Russia, ŠKODA sales, at 6,300 were up 0.2 per cent year on year (February 2012: 6,300).
As the market in Central Europe continued weak in February, ŠKODA delivered 9,500 vehicles to customers (February 2012: 11,000). Deliveries in the Czech Republic 4,300 after 4,800 in February 2012.
ŠKODA outperformed the market in China, its largest individual market, as deliveries to customers rose to 17,700 units, up 3.2 per cent year on year (February 2012: 17,100).
ŠKODA brand deliveries to customers in February 2013 (in units, rounded, by model; +/- in per cent year on year):
ŠKODA Octavia (27,000; -19.1 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (15,500; -21.6 %)
ŠKODA Superb (8,800; +17.9 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (5,700; -8.4 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (2,400; -18.3 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (4,100; + 103.9 %)
ŠKODA Citigo (sold in Europe only: 3,700; new model)